by Deepak Sawant 
The Pune Outer Ring Road, a 169-kilometer-long infrastructure project, has begun construction, offering hope to Punekars struggling with traffic congestion. This access-controlled highway, designed to encircle Pune, Maharashtra, aims to divert through traffic, reduce urban congestion, and enhance connectivity across the region. As of June 2025, work is progressing in multiple locations, marking a significant step toward modernizing Pune’s transportation network.
Project Background and Planning
The idea for the Pune Outer Ring Road emerged from the city’s rapid growth as an IT and manufacturing hub, which has strained its existing road infrastructure. With increasing vehicular traffic, the need for a bypass became critical. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) spearheaded the planning, conducting feasibility studies to finalize the 169-km circular route. The project, costing approximately ₹42,711 crore, was divided into Eastern and Western alignments to streamline construction, with contracts awarded between October 2024 and January 2025.
Project Scope
The Pune Outer Ring Road is a 4-6 lane, access-controlled highway with a 110-meter-wide right-of-way, allowing speeds up to 120 km/h. It connects taluks such as Khed, Haveli, Purandhar, Bhor, Mulshi, and Maval. The project is split into:
- Eastern Alignment: 7 packages, covering areas like Urse to Walti.
- Western Alignment: 5 packages, spanning Urse to Shivare Kusgaon.
| Package | Length (km) | Chainage | Contractor |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRR W1 | 14.65 | -0.650 to 14.000 | Megha Engineering (MEIL) |
| PRR W2 | 20.00 | 14.000 to 34.000 | Navyuga Engineering (NECL) |
| PRR W3 | 14.00 | 34.000 to 48.000 | Navyuga Engineering (NECL) |
| PRR W4 | 7.50 | 48.000 to 55.500 | Navyuga Engineering (NECL) |
| PRR W5 | 9.30 | 55.500 to 64.800 | GR Infraprojects (GRIL) |
| PRR E1 | 11.85 | 0.650 to 12.500 | Megha Engineering (MEIL) |
| PRR E2 | 13.80 | 12.500 to 26.300 | PNC Infratech |
| PRR E3A & E3B | 21.20 | 26.300 to 47.500 | Megha Engineering (MEIL) |
| PRR E4 | 24.50 | 47.500 to 72.000 | Roadway Solutions (RSIIL) |
Construction Progress
Construction began in December 2024, with physical work starting across all nine segments by May 2025. Key locations include:
- Western Side: Ghotawade, under package W2 (Navyuga Engineering).
- Eastern Side: Uruli Kanchan, Koregaon Mul, Wadegaon, and near Sirashwadi, under package E3 (Megha Engineering).
Initial activities include:
- Clearing and Grubbing (C&G): Preparing land for construction.
- Earthwork: Leveling and soil filling.
- Structural Work: Piling for a bridge over the Mula River, with one pile completed, and culvert construction underway.
- Infrastructure Setup: Batching plants and office camps established.
The project also intersects with NH65 (Pune-Solapur highway), where C&G and earthwork are ongoing.
Key Features and Structures
The ring road includes critical infrastructure to ensure seamless traffic flow:
- Mula River Bridge: Piling work has started, a vital component for the Western alignment.
- Mula-Mutha River Bridge: Planned for the Eastern alignment to maintain connectivity.
- NH65 Intersection: Enhances access to major highways, reducing urban traffic.
The highway’s 110-meter width accommodates future expansion, with 8 tunnels totaling 11.29 km planned to navigate challenging terrain.
Land Acquisition
The project requires approximately 1,740 hectares of land across 83 villages. As of May 2025:
- Western Alignment: 99% acquired (693 hectares).
- Eastern Alignment: 98% acquired (1,054 hectares).
This near-complete acquisition minimizes delays, reflecting effective coordination by MSRDC and local cooperation.
Contractors and Their Roles
Several experienced firms are driving the project:
- Megha Engineering and Infrastructures (MEIL): Manages PRR W1, E1, E3A & E3B.
- Navyuga Engineering Company (NECL): Handles PRR W2, W3, W4.
- GR Infraprojects (GRIL): Oversees PRR W5.
- PNC Infratech: Manages PRR E2.
- Roadway Solutions India Infra Ltd (RSIIL): Responsible for PRR E4.
These contractors ensure high-quality execution across the project’s segments.
Timeline and Completion
With construction starting in December 2024, the project is expected to be completed by November 2027, approximately 2.5 years from May 2025. However, monsoon seasons may cause delays, requiring careful scheduling by contractors. The MSRDC is committed to maintaining quality and adhering to timelines.
Economic and Social Impact
The Pune Outer Ring Road will transform the city’s transportation and economic landscape:
- Traffic Reduction: Diverting through traffic will ease congestion, improving travel times and air quality.
- Real Estate Growth: Enhanced connectivity will boost development in peripheral areas, creating new residential and commercial hubs.
- Regional Connectivity: Improved access to taluks will foster economic growth and better access to education and healthcare.
Challenges and Mitigation
Key challenges include:
- Monsoon Delays: Contractors may focus on weather-independent tasks during rainy seasons.
- Quality Control: MSRDC’s oversight ensures high standards.
- Coordination: Managing multiple contractors requires robust project management to integrate segments seamlessly.
Conclusion
The Pune Outer Ring Road’s construction is a pivotal development for Pune, promising to alleviate traffic woes and spur economic growth. With work progressing in key locations and major structures taking shape, the project is on track to reshape the city’s future by November 2027. Continued monitoring and effective management will be crucial to overcoming challenges and delivering this transformative infrastructure.
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